PSG has a defensive crisis, targeting center-back Eric Garcia from Barca

Paris Saint-Germain are planning to sign Eric Garcia in the winter transfer window, amid a continued injury crisis in their defence. According to L'Équipe, coach Luis Enrique is pushing for a deal to reunite with his former player, who he worked with during his time as Spain coach. Achraf Hakimi suffered an ankle injury against Bayern Munich, further increasing PSG's need for defensive reinforcements.

Why Eric Garcia is suitable for PSG

L'Équipe says Enrique rates Garcia highly for three things: distribution, reading situations and intelligent positioning. These are core qualities for the possession-based style of play that PSG pursues, where the centre-back not only defends but also serves as the starting point in build-up play.

Garcia can also play as a centre-back or right-back. This versatility gives PSG the flexibility to plug the gap on the right flank when Hakimi is injured, while maintaining the structure of control that Enrique has built. The existing professional connection between the coach and the player also shortens the integration time if the deal is successful.

Resurgence in Barcelona under Hansi Flick

Once considered “extra,” Garcia has enjoyed an impressive season under Hansi Flick. He has played 15 games, clocking up more than 1,100 minutes — the most of any Barcelona player outside the goalkeeper. Flick has called the 23-year-old a “professional role model” for the younger generation, suggesting Garcia’s status in the dressing room has changed significantly.

Garcia's consistent performance and ability to dictate play from the back have attracted interest from the market, with PSG, AC Milan and Napoli also keeping an eye on his situation.

The transfer problem: opportunities and barriers

Barcelona have no intention of letting Garcia go. According to sources, he is part of the long-term plans of Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco. The Catalan club have even discussed extending his contract beyond 2026, although negotiations have stalled for now.

For PSG, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. The Ligue 1 side have successfully persuaded stars to leave Camp Nou many times, but this time the obstacle is Garcia's rising role at Barcelona. If they want to stay ahead of their rivals, PSG will need to act early in the winter transfer window, especially with AC Milan and Napoli said to be keeping a close eye on them.

Right wing option after Hakimi injury

In addition to the central defender position, PSG also calculated to add on the right wing. After Hakimi was injured in the match against Bayern Munich, the capital team put Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz in their sights as an immediate solution for the right wing.

Tactical highlights if Garcia arrives

• The passing ability helps PSG escape pressing from the first line, opening up passing lanes down the flank for wing-backs or midfielders.
• Ability to read situations and stay in a supporting position for the advanced midfield that Enrique favours, limiting the space behind.
• The versatility (CB/RB) allows Enrique to rotate the defensive structure depending on the opponent, while maintaining control.

What is clear so far

• PSG wants to recruit Eric Garcia in the winter transfer window.
• Coach Luis Enrique directly promoted the deal, based on the understanding from the Spanish team.
• Garcia has made 15 appearances and played more than 1,100 minutes this season for Barcelona; Hansi Flick described him as a “model professional”.
• Barcelona do not want to sell, are considering extending after 2026; AC Milan and Napoli are also interested.
• PSG are looking for a solution for the right wing with Daniel Munoz, in the context of Achraf Hakimi's ankle injury.

The winter market is short but full of variables. With immediate demand and tactical fit, Eric Garcia becomes an obvious target for PSG — although Barcelona are keeping a tight lid on it.